Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice, Chapter 5 (Art and Admiration)

As they wandered through the exhibit, Brandon couldn’t help but let his thoughts drift, focusing more on Adalynn than on the installations around them. There was something about her that he could never quite put into words. She had an energy, a presence that made him feel grounded and at ease, yet left him completely tongue-tied whenever he thought of making a move.

Today, she’d chosen a simple outfit—a long, flowy sweater and jeans that hugged her figure just right, casual and effortless. Her hair framed her face, loose and slightly wind-tousled, and every now and then, she’d smile at something that caught her eye—a piece of art, a quirky display, or even a detail he hadn’t noticed. Her laugh was soft, yet it carried, and he couldn’t help but be drawn to it, like a melody he couldn’t get out of his head.

Adalynn wasn’t just beautiful in the way most people would think. It was in the way she saw the world—her curiosity, her gentle approach, her quiet strength. Brandon admired that about her. She was someone who knew who she was, grounded yet willing to explore the quirks and intricacies of life without losing herself. He could tell she wasn’t afraid to feel deeply, and somehow, that gave him courage to do the same.

Damarae was a different story, but he kept the mood light, firing off quips that bordered between humor and outright mockery of the more “unique” pieces around them. “Yo, check this out,” he whispered, nudging Brandon as they approached a massive abstract sculpture that looked like a deformed teapot crossed with a giant spatula. “Think that’s supposed to be art, or did someone just forget to take out the recycling?”

Brandon chuckled, half-listening as he glanced over at Adalynn, who was studying a painting in the next room. The light from a nearby window framed her face in a soft glow, highlighting the concentration on her face as she examined each brushstroke, the subtle shifts in color, the hidden details. In that moment, he couldn’t imagine being anywhere else but right here, watching her.

“So, are you going to ask her out, or are you just gonna sit here pining like a lost puppy?” Damarae’s voice broke through his thoughts, jolting him back to the present. He looked over to see his friend studying him with a knowing smirk.

“What? No—what are you talking about?” Brandon stammered, trying and failing to play it cool.

“Oh, come on, man. You’ve been following her around this whole exhibit like she’s the Mona Lisa,” Damarae teased, leaning back on the bench they’d ended up on. “You can’t fool me. You’re into her.”

Brandon sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, alright. Maybe I am. But what if she’s not into me like that? I mean, she’s… she’s just… you know, Adalynn. She’s amazing. Smart, funny, and way out of my league.”

“Dude, you’ll never know if you don’t try. You’ve got to go for it before some other guy swoops in and snags her. What’s the worst that could happen? She says no, and you stay friends. Not the end of the world,” Damarae said, crossing his arms.

Brandon considered his friend’s words, glancing back at Adalynn as she moved to the next exhibit. She looked back at them briefly, giving them a small wave and smiling before turning her attention to a statue nearby.

“Maybe,” Brandon mumbled, half to himself. “It’s just… I don’t want to ruin anything, you know?”

“You’re not ruining anything,” Damarae replied with surprising sincerity. “But hey, that’s just my two cents. And while we’re on the topic, speaking of the classics…” He pointed toward a topless statue a few feet away, grinning. “You happen to know the bra size on that one?”

Brandon groaned, laughing despite himself. “I think that one’s a little out of your league, man.”

“Hey, don’t hate on my taste, alright?” Damarae joked, elbowing him in the ribs. “Seriously, though, take my advice for once. You’ve got a shot, man. Don’t let it slip away.”

Brandon nodded, watching Adalynn across the room. Maybe Damarae was right. Maybe it was time to take a chance.